UFPD reports upswing in bicycle thefts

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Police Department alerts the community to an increase in bike thefts in recent weeks at UF.

In the first three months of this year, 33 bicycles have been reported stolen to the UFPD. This is compared to 19 bikes reported stolen during the same period last year.

There is no pattern to the location, time of day, or value of bicycles stolen. One thing that most thefts have in common is the type of locking device used to secure the bicycle. In most cases, bicycles were secured using a cable-type lock. The UFPD recommends using a U-Lock style bike lock which is more difficult to remove.

The proper way to secure the bicycle is with a U-Lock fastened through the front tire, frame and bike rack. Bicycle owners are also encouraged to register their bicycle with the UFPD. This can be done by any UFPD officer on campus or at the University of Florida Police Department.